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Post by Èdan on Aug 12, 2021 14:12:29 GMT -6
So, that had rather been an experience and a half.
To say he is glad to be out of the manor and back into daylight would have been an understatement, in large part because at least the outside world has dangers that are rather easier to anticipate and predict. They also tend to be considerably simpler to manage, since most didn't rely so heavily on taking one's mind to play with it (At least, not in so literal a term. Of course, plenty people would still seek to play with others' mind with tricks and games, but at least they had to actually put effort into a good show than merely snap their fingers for a spell).
The knight walks alongside the fair lady, poise still dutiful, glaive still resting against the shoulder in proper alignment, even though the term 'fair' can be a little more loose than usual to his own appearance - the tabard has some brine stains, the armour still feeling grains of sand speckled among the links and his head still slightly ringing.. Just about the one thing their sea-themed escapade didn't result in is being soaked, and even that only because between the time it took to locate the manor exit and wind their way through town, the warm sunlight of the high summer had dried most things needing drying.
"It should not be much further, my lady," he says in that slow, northern drawn, indicating towards the end of the street where a plain, but welcoming looking wooden structure stands close to where the wharf begins, a sign dangling on the outside to denote the establishment as a tavern. "The food is plain, but good and the company peaceful and quiet in the dead of day. It should help you recover."
. 1 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 16, 2021 10:52:44 GMT -6
It had been a long day.
The sun had not yet set, but Nadia had already had her fill for the whole twenty-four hours. What had begun as a test of sorts - an experience to gauge whether Sarv's intentions were genuine or not - had turned into a bonafide nightmare that she was keen to wake up from. The best thing they'd done in hours was get out of there, even if that had been a chore in itself. Being outside in the open air was a blessing.
It was also a curse, because she was nowhere near home, and both hungry and exhausted. Though the pleasant temperatures had dried the hem of her skirt, the sand was sticking around for the long haul. Shaking her boots had done little. So, she came to accept the grains that had snuck in and were clinging to her stockinged feet, whether she liked it or not. So be it. She hadn't the energy to fuss.
"Not to worry, sir," Her mouth said it with jovial intentions, but her tone belied her exhaustion. "I can manage at least a few steps more."
It was a comfort, that the tavern appeared plain; it would be a relief to avoid unnecessary surprises.
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Post by Èdan on Aug 16, 2021 13:20:14 GMT -6
There had been a promise of food once they had left and a knight is one to follow through on promises. Plus, comparative to the things experienced (Including but not limited to fey food of all things, which is about as filling after the fact as one would expect of something made from magic and false promises) something ordinary and normal is just the kind of balm needed at this time. And he can think of nothing more ordinary than the tavern (A courier's find, but one he filed away from useful reference). The wood is old, the bar top even older and there's a certain kind of smoky timber atmosphere that makes it feel half earth, half living, in a quaint, simple way. Even the outside seems more like a farm house than an eating establishment.
Of the two of them, the lady certainly took the brunt of the manor's trickery. Oh, sure, the song had enticed him towards.. well, something, which could have ended much more poorly than the lady's own internal burning, but aside the mental toll there, he hardly saw cause for physically exertions - The ache is in his head, not the muscles, which isn't quite the same story for the lady. So not all things were equal.
As she speaks, there's a short bit of shuffle in the knight's demeanour, as if awkwardly adjusting the pose during the walk. Then, rather laconically he turns to look at her and offers quietly, perhaps not entirely in jest, "If it helps, I could carry you there?"
. 2 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 16, 2021 15:29:44 GMT -6
Nadia would never have said it, but taking a step was becoming akin to moving a mountain. It was a tremendous effort to put one foot in front of the other - worse still, her eyelids were betraying her, threatening to droop if she didn't focus on staying alert. To have experienced that much upheaval on an empty stomach was undoubtedly exhausting.
Yet, she was determined. Even if the knight's offer was tempting, and sounded like a dream, and would take the weight off of her legs--
"You are most kind, sir, but I can struggle through. It is almost upon us," She said, before she could give into the impulse to accept. "Though I may take your arm, so there is no danger of my lagging behind."
It was not yet comfortable, as it would be if it was an age-old practiced behaviour, but she was content to slip her hands into the crook of his elbow.
"Let us hurry along. My stomach may begin speaking again."
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Post by Èdan on Aug 16, 2021 16:02:31 GMT -6
Ah, the stubbornness might be admired if it doesn't come with the unfortunate fact of the matter that everyone can endure things.. only up to a point. (And most people tend to forget there are always points to reach. Spite was all well and good, but unlike the popular theory, it didn't necessarily mean something done out of it was guaranteed to be any more or less successful). But arguing with her would only cause her more fatigue, so the knight nods, submitting to her request as he extends the free hand's elbow out for her to lean to. "I shall make sure to keep step with you, my lady, not to worry. And it should not be said that a lady has to struggle."
That's as far as he leaves it. Not an argument, but an assurance that it remains well within propriety to fuss over someone in a weakened state. One could even say he's almost obligated to do more so because of it. Even at the gradual pace, the front of the tavern comes to the rescue in short order, with a vague scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. The knight opens the door, indicating for her to enter before him with a bow of the head, "My lady."
. 3 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 16, 2021 16:23:10 GMT -6
Oh, bread. The delicious scent reeled Nadia in like a fish on a line - she was following her nose all the way to the door, with her stomach giving a running commentary. How embarrassing. If anything good was to come of this, it would be that she would consider eating a proper meal before leaving for the day in future.
"Thank you, sir," She smiled as she slipped in through the door and into the tavern. The smell of food was stronger inside, and the cosiness of the place was instantly noticeable, enough for further visible relaxation in her posture and stance. All was well. There was nothing to fear, they were far away from the mansion, and they were about to tuck into (at least) a bread basket for their troubles. "This is wonderfully quaint!"
Her eyes darted as she took in the sights and sounds. It was not her usual kind of hangout.
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Post by Èdan on Aug 16, 2021 16:36:11 GMT -6
He steps in after her, ducking under the doorway as to avoid the horns scraping up against it. The inside is more dim than outside, even despite the large windows to one side of the wall, though the dimness is more from the fact the glass seems already stained from age despite the City's (relatively) young age. There's good sturdy tables made from heavy oak, with benches, chairs and stools a-plenty to choose from. To one side of the wall there's even an arrangement of couches with low wooden walls acting as separations, for those guests who wish to have a bit more privacy from the usual hustle and bustle that comes through towards the evening. The bar counter top looks as ancient as some of the timbres, though the keeper behind it gives them a mere passing glance before resuming their duties.
Indeed, it seems they're not the first brine-covered folk to pass through here this specific duality of months (Nor likely to be the last). The knight pauses at the door long enough to consider the glaive, before placing it into an umbrella holder by the side of the door. After all, it does not do to enter a place of meal so armed (And the courier had seen more than a few sword scabbards placed there in evenings past, so it seemed appropriate for the job). With that done, he steps up to Nadia, indicating towards the tables around them, "Where would you like to sit, my lady?" Regardless of seating, it seemed each had a bleached-looking folded paper on them to denote a form of menu.
. 4 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 17, 2021 10:11:06 GMT -6
Nadia was still gawping when the knight asked her a question. Her head snapped in his direction, almost startled by the interruption to her observations - but there was no harm done, as told by her easy (albeit sleepy) smile.
"Ah... those couches look awfully inviting, but the posture will be terrible for eating if we sit there... here, how about these tables?" The ones nearest to the windows, letting in small streams of waning daylight. "Yes, I think that would be best."
She wished she had the energy to show more grace and decorum, but she gave in and slumped down into a chair at the chosen table, lifting her skirts out of the way to allow Dylan to settle at her feet. The houluh had worn himself out too; he was nothing but a snoring bundle of fluff in record time.
"Do you have any recommendations, sir?" Nadia asked, teasing, as she took up the menu. "What tastes good at this establishment?"
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Post by Èdan on Aug 17, 2021 11:44:55 GMT -6
"Of course, my lady," there's an agreeable nod to her decision, but before he could move towards the tables and pull out the chair for her, the lady has already found her seat and settled in. A moment of chivalrous processing follows, as the knight seems to recalculate the situation, eventually seeming to settle for simply accepting it. What's done is done, and honestly they're both quite tired, so it can be tallied up later. (Maybe even never, depending on whether either of them are looking to recall this specific gauntlet of a day as anything worth remembering).
That aside, he would have preferred any seat aside the couch as well, since the tables allow him to take for himself a backless stool for a chair. The reasoning being that the hems of the tabard and armour beneath can be more easily set behind the seat, rather than having to sit on them. Finally settled, he picks up another menu to browse it casually, "As I said, the food here can be of a simpler sort, not quite on par with those of manor kitchens. But it is good in quality and quite filling. Admittedly.. most of it tends to revolve around some form of meat, potatoes, cabbage, garden vegetables, bread, cheese and butter, or the combination there-in."
There's a moment to study the list, before he asks in return, "Does the lady have a specific preference to the style of food? It should be said some of it can be quite hearty, but there's options for home-grown salads if that is too much."
. 5 .
(added)
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Post by Nadia on Aug 18, 2021 6:27:04 GMT -6
Nadia was doing her best to take in the menu, but reading was an effort. It was all an effort, wasn't it - staying awake, being present and courteous, not having a nervous breakdown. Her fingers were still wrinkly at the tips from trying to wring the water from the hem of her skirt. The sun had done a far better job than she had, in the end.
"I doubt a salad would touch the sides, sir," She said. At least the day hadn't taken her wry sense of humour away from her, and had left her ability to smile in tact. "Hearty is excellent. Those ingredients sound delightful to me."
Her brow furrowed as she went back over the list one more time... and then the desired item jumped out at her, making her eyes widen. One (chipped) nail pointed to the dish that called to her.
"A meat stew, served with fresh bread. That is what I would like."
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Post by Èdan on Aug 18, 2021 11:38:29 GMT -6
There's a shift to the eyes, betraying a small smile beneath the helm. True enough, a salad is a poor man's substitute for something to keep one going energy-wise (Which ironically in the City was actually a rich man's substitute, considering the prices on the things in other eating establishments. He'd never thought to see the day where simple garden plants would out-price fine meats, and at double at that, but there it was). "Excellent choice, my lady," he agrees, as a server has slinked their way from the kitchen to the table almost surreptitiously, writing pad already in hand. A few quick scribbles and a silent look between them suggesting to ask if there's anything else.
"For myself, a serving of bread and cheese will do, with ale," the knight reads off the paper, flipping it around a few times to ensure nothing else might entice further. Of course, there's plenty else to do so, but he's intending to start small. (And refusing to acknowledge the coffee option on the menu, tempting as it is, much as he refuses to acknowledge it anywhere else in town. There's standards and the tripe sludge all these establishments serve is not even worth an attempt. The only exception is the Tumai quarter of the market. They seem to be about the only ones able to get it close to right).
The notepad scribbles again, as he glances towards Nadia, "Is there anything else to add to the order? You need not worry about the fee, my lady, it shall be covered."
. 6 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 18, 2021 13:23:30 GMT -6
Ah, bread and cheese. Nadia had a dreamy look about her when she envisioned it - perhaps her understanding of the dish was different to the version that would be served at the tavern, but she was wistful nonetheless. It all sounded too good to be true on an empty stomach.
"Are you sure that is enough to sustain you, sir? You have had quite the day, after all," She spoke quietly, not meaning to be impolite to their server but mindful that the knight might not wish for their escapades to be broadcast to all and sundry. "I should not like to think of you going without."
Her stomach chose that moment to growl again. It was beginning to rival the racket of her houluh waiting for their meals! Embarrassed, she adjusted herself in her seat, hoping that it would go unnoticed.
"Oh, no. I must contribute towards the bill, surely."
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Post by Èdan on Aug 18, 2021 13:34:57 GMT -6
"It is quite alright," the knight is quick to dismiss the concern, "I presently don't feel quite as famished, although I did have a meal earlier in the day that helps contribute to this." Likewise, this is about as far as he leaves it, in case the lady isn't looking to broadcast her particular eating habits, or rather lack thereof. (Plus, his head was still going through a recovery process on its own, so best keep things light until he can sort out the damage. The ale's as good of a bandage on that specific sore as any available at this particular point).
When the lady's stomach decides to make itself known in that moment, there's a pause from both knight and server, before he turns to them and adds, "Perhaps a platter of bread and cheese, to start with. While we wait for the soup." There's a scribbling on the notepad and questioning look towards Nadia, as if the server's looking for confirmation. "Do you wish something to drink as well, my lady?" the knight adds, trying to sideline the counter-topic of payment. (It's not expensive and the knight can be good for it regardless).
. 7 .
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Post by Nadia on Aug 19, 2021 7:56:58 GMT -6
Nadia frowned. There was no need for the knight to be worried, as it was the frown of a pouting child rather than a grown woman - but it was undoubtedly caused by the avoidance of her comment about payment. It was impolite to discuss such things, to be sure, but it didn't stop her from puffing up over it.
Nonetheless, she could tell that she wouldn't make any headway if she tried to argue about it. Sarv had proven himself to be resolute in other situations, and she doubted that anything she could do would change that, even in the most mundane of settings. So, she sighed through her nose and resolved to let it pass (for the moment).
"I'd like a glass of wine. Red, if possible." It was out of character for her to drink with her meal - or drink at all - but it had been a long day and a bit of alcohol would soften the blow. "Thank you very much."
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Post by Èdan on Aug 19, 2021 8:16:05 GMT -6
The knight seems to make no fuss over the reaction, merely waiting for her to complete the order before relaying the final details to the server. (But it does seem there's limits and while they can be pushed, they might not necessarily be easily bendable). There's a bit more scribbling to the notepad as the server nods, bows and then rushes back to the kitchen to see things through. The bread, cheese and drinks are likely to arrive sooner than the rest, but for now they would have to wait at least a little as the 'appetizer' course is assembled (Or more accurately, the 'stave off starvation' course).
In the silent wake of the server leaving (Huffy or otherwise) and with them being left alone until the food is ready, the knight places hands on the table, briefly crossing palms uncertainly. There's a clearing of the voice before he says, slow and careful, "I'm.. sorry if that was too forward.. It is nothing against you, my lady, I should clarify." The head seems to look at the candle in the middle of the table more than her, "Today has not exactly been.. a series of successful endeavours, with more than one threat that should have been defended against. It is the least I can do to repay this laxness of duty."
. 8 .
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